Shorter licence renewal for Ontario drivers over 80

Ministry of Transportation, January 28, 2014 – Ontario Government Committed to Supporting Seniors: Ontario is enhancing its driver’s licence renewal program to help seniors who are fit to drive renew their licences.

Starting April 21, 2014, drivers aged 80 and over will no longer have to complete a written knowledge test. Instead, they will participate in a shorter, simpler renewal program that includes:

a vision test

a driver record review

an improved, in-class group education session

two short, in-class screening exercises

The new screening exercises are simple, non-computerized tasks that help identify drivers who may need further assessment, such as a road test or medical review. Samples of both exercises are available online.

Enhancements to the senior driver’s licence renewal program are supported by the latest scientific research and are part of the Ontario government’s plan to make it easier for people to access important government services, when and where they need them

Quick Facts

The new renewal session will take approximately 90 minutes, or less than half the time of the current program.

Ontario drivers age 80 and over must renew their licences every two years.

In 2012, 117,237 drivers age 80 and older attended a group education session.

Ontario is the only province in Canada with a mandatory education component for senior driver’s licence renewal.

The current cost of renewal for seniors will remain the same at $32.There is no additional cost for a road test.